beeil dich
The English phrase 'hurry up' is translated into German as beeil dich.
Meaning: go faster (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is based on the reflexive verb beeilen, which means to hasten or to hurry. Because it is a reflexive verb, it must always be accompanied by a reflexive pronoun such as dich, euch or sich.
Which one should you use?
You may also hear the colloquial alternative Mach schnell!, which literally means 'make fast'. In very formal or literary contexts, one might encounter the imperative Eile!, though this is rarely used in everyday spoken German.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. beeil dich is the singular informal form used for one person. To address a group of people informally, use beeilt euch. For formal address using 'Sie', use beeilen Sie sich.
Did you know?
- While beeil dich is a request for speed, Germans often use the phrase Zack zack! to demand immediate action. It mimics the sound of something clicking or snapping into place.
- In a professional setting, a boss might avoid beeilen Sie sich and instead use Ich bitte um zügige Bearbeitung. This literally asks for 'brisk processing' of a task.
- In a crisis, the most common way to command someone to hurry is simply to shout Schnell! Technically, this means only 'fast' rather than a full sentence.
Examples in context
- Los, beeil dich schon!Come on, hurry up!This sentence shows how to use beeil dich with an added sense of urgency.Tatoeba #1712589 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1635330 by Amastan
- Beeil dich! Es ist spät.Hurry up, it's late.This sentence demonstrates using beeil dich to explain why someone needs to hurry.Tatoeba #2369651 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2258699 by _undertoad
- Beeil dich! Der Zug ist da!Hurry up! The train is here!This sentence shows using beeil dich when a specific event like a train arrival is happening.Tatoeba #5749856 by mairyu, translation #5749810 by Hybrid
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are walking to a movie theater.
- HannahBeeil dich, Lukas!Hurry up, Lukas!
- LukasIch versuche es.I am trying.
- HannahDer Film beginnt gleich.The movie is starting soon.
- LukasJetzt beeil ich mich.I am hurrying now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
